Remain means to stay in the same state or place, or to be left over.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To stay the same or in the same place.
- Used for states, conditions, or locations.
- Indicates what is left over.
Overview
The word 'remain' is a versatile verb used to describe continuity in state, position, or condition. It signifies that something or someone stays the same or stays in a particular location. This word is fundamental for expressing persistence and what is left behind.
As a verb, 'remain' is often followed by an adjective to describe a state (e.g., 'remain calm'), by a prepositional phrase to indicate a location (e.g., 'remain at home'), or by 'to be' + infinitive to express a future action or state (e.g., 'He remains to be convinced'). It can also be used transitively in specific contexts, though less commonly at the A2 level.
You'll frequently encounter 'remain' in everyday conversations and writing. It's used to talk about people staying in a place, like guests at a party who 'remain' after others leave. It's also used to describe the state of things, such as food that 'remains' on a plate or a situation that 'remains' unchanged. Instructions or warnings often use 'remain' to emphasize a continuing state, like 'remain seated'.
While 'stay' can often be used interchangeably with 'remain' (e.g., 'stay calm' vs. 'remain calm'), 'remain' can sometimes carry a slightly more formal tone or imply a more passive continuation. 'Continue' is similar when talking about an ongoing action or state (e.g., 'The rain continued'), but 'remain' focuses more on not changing from the current state or location. 'Be left' is often used for things that are remaining after some have been removed, similar to one meaning of 'remain' (e.g., 'only a few cookies were left' vs. 'a few cookies remained').
Examples
The temperature will remain cold tonight.
everydayLa temperatura permanecerá fría esta noche.
Please remain in your seats until the announcement is finished.
formalPor favor, permanezcan en sus asientos hasta que termine el anuncio.
After dinner, there was some cake remaining.
informalDespués de la cena, quedó un poco de pastel.
The legal status of the property remained unchanged.
academicEl estatus legal de la propiedad se mantuvo sin cambios.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
remain to be seen
está por verse
remainders
restos, sobrantes
what remains
lo que queda
Often Confused With
'Stay' is often more general and can mean to not leave a place or to continue in a state. 'Remain' often emphasizes the lack of change or continuation from a previous state, and can sound more formal.
'Continue' focuses on the ongoing nature of an action or process. 'Remain' focuses more on the state or position not changing.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
While 'remain' can be used in everyday speech, it often carries a slightly more formal or literary tone than 'stay'. It is common in instructions, formal announcements, and descriptions of enduring states.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse 'remain' with 'continue' when the focus should be on a static state rather than an ongoing action. Also, ensure correct verb conjugation, as 'remain' is a regular verb.
Tips
Focus on No Change
Think of 'remain' as meaning 'to not change' or 'to stay put'. This helps remember its core meaning.
Avoid Overuse with 'Stay'
While similar, 'stay' is often more common in casual conversation. Use 'remain' when you want to emphasize the lack of change or for a slightly more formal feel.
Politeness in Instructions
Using 'remain' in instructions, like 'Please remain seated', can sound slightly more polite and formal than a direct command.
Word Origin
The word 'remain' comes from the Old French 'remanoir', meaning 'to stay behind, to last'. It ultimately derives from the Latin 'remanere', which combines 're-' (back, again) and 'manere' (to stay, to remain).
Cultural Context
In many cultures, politeness is expressed through indirectness. Using 'remain' in instructions, like 'Please remain seated', is a common way to achieve this indirectness and formality.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'main' road that always stays in the same place. Or, imagine a river that 'main-tains' its course.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsOften, they can be used in similar ways, especially when talking about a state like 'remain calm' or 'stay calm'. However, 'remain' can sometimes sound more formal and emphasizes the lack of change, while 'stay' can be more general about being in a place.
Yes, 'remain' is commonly used to talk about what is left after something has been used or taken. For example, 'There isn't much food remaining.'
Frequently, 'remain' is followed by an adjective describing a state (like 'calm', 'quiet', 'happy') or a prepositional phrase indicating a location (like 'at home', 'in the room').
'Remain' can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it often carries a slightly more formal or literary tone compared to 'stay'.
Test Yourself
Please ______ quiet during the exam.
'Remain' fits perfectly here to describe the desired state during the exam.
After the party, only a few guests ______.
'Remained' effectively conveys that these guests were the ones left behind.
calm / you / remain / should / the / in / situation
This arrangement creates a grammatically correct and meaningful sentence emphasizing the need to stay calm.
Score: /3
Summary
Remain means to stay in the same state or place, or to be left over.
- To stay the same or in the same place.
- Used for states, conditions, or locations.
- Indicates what is left over.
Focus on No Change
Think of 'remain' as meaning 'to not change' or 'to stay put'. This helps remember its core meaning.
Avoid Overuse with 'Stay'
While similar, 'stay' is often more common in casual conversation. Use 'remain' when you want to emphasize the lack of change or for a slightly more formal feel.
Politeness in Instructions
Using 'remain' in instructions, like 'Please remain seated', can sound slightly more polite and formal than a direct command.
Examples
4 of 4The temperature will remain cold tonight.
La temperatura permanecerá fría esta noche.
Please remain in your seats until the announcement is finished.
Por favor, permanezcan en sus asientos hasta que termine el anuncio.
After dinner, there was some cake remaining.
Después de la cena, quedó un poco de pastel.
The legal status of the property remained unchanged.
El estatus legal de la propiedad se mantuvo sin cambios.
Quick Quiz
The doctor told the patient to ______ in bed for a few more days.
Correct!
The correct answer is: remain
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Learn it in Context
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
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abcredance
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abnasccide
C1Describing something that is characterized by a natural tendency to shed, detach, or be cut off at a specific stage of development or under certain conditions. It is most commonly used in botanical or technical contexts to describe parts that are designed to separate from the main body.
absorb
B2To take in or soak up energy, liquid, or other substances by chemical or physical action; also used metaphorically to mean taking in and understanding information or grasping the full attention of someone.
abstain
C1To voluntarily refrain from an action or practice, especially one that is considered unhealthy or morally questionable. It is also used formally to describe the act of choosing not to cast a vote in an election or deliberation.
abvictly
C1To decisively and abruptly resolve a complex situation or dispute by exercising overwhelming force or authority. It describes the act of bringing an immediate, non-negotiable end to a conflict, often bypassing traditional steps of negotiation.
abvitfy
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accelerate
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accept
A1To agree to receive something that someone offers you, or to say yes to an invitation or a suggestion. It can also mean to believe that something is true or to recognize a situation as it is.
achieve
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acquiesce
C1To accept something reluctantly but without protest. It describes a situation where someone agrees to a demand or proposal, often because they feel they have no other choice or do not wish to argue.
